Press release

Temporary Permits for Internal Medicine and Paediatrics’ Residents: The FMSQ pleased of Collège des médecins’ initiative

Montréal, June 28th, 2007. The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (FMSQ) acknowledges favourably the decision of the Collège des médecins du Québec to loosen up the present rules permitting to medical residents in paediatrics and internal medicine to obtain a temporary permit to practice after four years of studies.

The FMSQ considers that such a decision from the Collège des médecins du Québec will, in a short term matter, help in increasing medical manpower in these two specialties. This decision, not only positive for the population, also pleases new doctors. Furthermore, in a medical shortage period, practising doctors will be happy to count on new competence to help them out.

The FMSQ insists that harmonising medical practice rules for these two specialities with those of the rest of Canada is an important signal towards parity. Until today, in order to be granted a temporary practice permit and after having passed the Royal College of Canada’s exam, Quebec students had to follow a 5 year program; as for students from elsewhere in Canada, such program would have been done in 4 years. “Quebec’s unique situation concerning moonlighting (independent practice outside of the training program) was an important irritant.

With its disappearance, we hope that the message sent loud and clear will encourage our residents to stay and practice in Quebec rather than elsewhere” declared in press conference Dr. Gaétan Barrette, President of the FMSQ. “We must now assure them decent remuneration” he added.

The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec numbers more than 8,000 members, representing 35 specialties. It is the sole organization recognized by government with respect to negotiating medical specialists' collective agreements, and is also consulted on all aspects of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

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